The most common cause of long-term knee pain. Understanding what is wearing in the joint, and the options at every stage, is the first step to moving with confidence again.
Osteoarthritis is the gradual wearing of the smooth cartilage that lines the knee, the surface that lets the joint bend and straighten freely.
As that cartilage thins, the bones no longer glide as they should. The knee becomes stiff, swollen and painful, and over time it can feel less stable or fail to straighten fully. It usually develops slowly, often over years.
Knee pain does not always come from arthritis. Cartilage and meniscal tears, ligament problems, and tendon issues can all cause similar symptoms, which is why a proper assessment matters. You can also read our guide to what may be causing your knee pain on the blog.
Scott researched his options and wanted the robotic approach. Mr Kumar talked through the benefits and trade-offs, then supported the choice that gave Scott the most confidence.
I have no pain. I have no reservation about putting my foot down on an angle. It just isn't a problem. Scott, 71 · Knee patientRead Scott's full journey →
Knee osteoarthritis tends to build slowly, with symptoms that come and go before becoming more constant. You might recognise:
Mr Kumar always begins with the least invasive option that can give you good relief, and moves on only when it is the right time for you.
Strengthening the muscles around the knee supports the joint and eases load. It is the foundation of managing arthritis well.
Steroid, hyaluronic acid, PRP and Arthrosamid injections can reduce pain and inflammation when symptoms flare.
Explore injections → SurgicalWhere wear is confined to one compartment, a unicompartmental replacement preserves more of the natural knee.
About partial replacement → SurgicalWhen arthritis affects the whole knee and other measures no longer help, a total replacement offers lasting relief.
About total replacement →Osteoarthritis changes gradually. Early on, symptoms come and go, and simple measures keep you comfortable. As the cartilage wears further, pain and stiffness become more constant and start to shape your day.
Knowing where you are on that path helps you and Mr Kumar make calm, well-timed decisions. There is rarely any rush. The aim is to keep you active and comfortable for as long as possible, and to choose surgery at the moment it will help you most.
You are not a procedure, you are a person. The right time to act is the time that is right for your life, not just your X-ray.
Most people manage their symptoms for a long time with conservative care, and those who do go on to surgery can expect lasting relief. The path is gradual and supported at every stage.
Knee osteoarthritis is one of the most treatable joint conditions. Whatever stage you are at, there is a clear option to ease your symptoms and protect your mobility.
Assessment and conservative care, including injections, are far less costly than surgery. Where a knee replacement is the right step, the typical self-pay range is set out below.
Typical UK self-pay range for a knee replacement, depending on hospital, implant, and individual factors. Injections and consultations cost considerably less.
About knee replacement →No. Many people manage knee osteoarthritis for years with exercise, weight management and injections. Surgery is considered only when these measures no longer give you enough relief, and the decision is always yours to make with Mr Kumar.
No. Knee pain can come from cartilage or meniscal tears, ligament injury, tendon problems and inflammatory conditions. A proper assessment with Mr Kumar identifies the true source before any treatment is recommended.
Staying active, keeping the muscles around the knee strong, and maintaining a healthy weight all help to protect the joint and ease symptoms. Mr Kumar will give you clear, practical advice tailored to your knee.
Injections do not cure arthritis, but they can reduce pain and inflammation and give you comfortable time. You can read more on our joint injections page.
A partial replacement treats wear confined to one compartment and preserves more of the natural knee, while a total replacement resurfaces the whole joint. Mr Kumar will advise which suits your knee.
Yes. Most patients are seen within two weeks of enquiry at one of Mr Kumar's Greater Manchester locations.
Book a consultation with Mr Kumar for a clear diagnosis and a plan tailored to where you are. Most patients are seen within two weeks.
